THIRTY seven cub scouts have taken part in a sleepover in support of a scheme to help the homeless.

The 5th Tyldesley Cubs spent the night at Lilford District Headquarters on Shuttle Street from 6pm Saturday to 10am on Sunday.

The group made their own cardboard shelters to sleep in and were only allowed to have pillows, sleeping bags and roll mats to replicate the conditions of a rough sleeper.

They were also not allowed to bring a change of clothes or any toiletries.

The 5th Tyldesley Cubs scout leader David Simpson said: “All of the cubs really enjoyed it, especially making their cardboard shelters.

“We also went home with an appreciation of just how fortunate we are and an idea of what it might be like to be homeless even if it was just for one night.”

Two years ago the group raised £787 for Atherton and Leigh Shelter for Hope by doing the same challenge.

The shelter is now supported by Wigan Council investment.

Its manager Warren Done, who also runs Atherton and Leigh Foodbank, also visited the cubs on the night to provide support for them.

Half of the funds raised from sponsorship money for the sleepout will go the Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night scheme.

The scheme, which was launched on November 1 and is set to run until March 31, has led to more rough sleepers in the region being offered overnight accommodation during the winter months.  

My Burnham praised the group after the cubs completed the challenge.

The rest of the sponsorship funds raised will be used to pay for camping equipment for the cub scouts.